An open cockpit, an engine producing more than 220 kW (300 hp) and a host of technologies borrowed from the world of motor sports – the Audi TT clubsport quattro is an uncompromising driving machine. Audi is presenting an updated version of the spectacular show car and sensation of 2007 at the Wörthersee Tour, the big 'meet' for Audi and VW enthusiasts in Reifnitz (Kärnten), Austria, from 21st-25th May, 2008.

Purism at a premium level – this was the goal that the designers and engineers set themselves for the Audi TT clubsport quattro. The low windshield is extremely flat. The A-pillars are nearly invisible, making the continuous window strip appear to be a single casting. Instead of the compartment for the soft top there are two humps behind the passenger compartment – the lines of the show car painted in Suzuka Grey, pearl effect are intensely evocative of a speedster. Mounted in front of the humps are two massive rollover bars, which together with the strong A-pillars protect the driver and passenger if the car should roll over.

The front end is dominated by the powerful single-frame grille painted in high-gloss black. Beneath the headlamps, which feature a strip of LED daytime running lights, are large air inlets covered by horizontally split black grilles.

A distinctive spoiler lip optimises downforce. When viewed from the side, the sharp contours in the sill area are every bit as striking as the boldly accentuated wheel wells, which house impressive (polished) 9x19 inch wheels shod with 255/35 tyres. The track was widened by 66 mm versus the production TT. The rear bumper is designed as a diffuser. The fascia between the two large tailpipes of the stainless steel exhaust system emphasises the horizontal lines and makes the car look even wider from behind.

The purist style of the exterior carries over to the interior of the Audi TT clubsport quattro. The newly designed sill area emphasises the width of the vehicle. The driver and passenger sit in racing bucket seats that offer excellent support even in extreme driving situations – on the race track, for example.

Typical Audi: aluminium in the interior

Typical for Audi is the generous use of aluminium in the interior of the show car. The clubsport quattro sports a high-grip version of the flat-bottomed steering wheel from the production TT with aluminium shift paddles. The door pull handle and door opener are also made of aluminium, and their cut-out appearance emphasises the lightweight design character of the concept car. The pedals also shine with aluminium.

The second distinctive feature of the interior of the TT clubsport quattro is the colour orange. Leather in this colour provides bright highlights to the arm rests, the sides of the centre tunnel, the backs of the bucket seats and the instrument cowl. The orange and white graphics of the instrument cluster clearly distinguishes it from its counterpart in the production model.

The TT clubsport quattro is a true sports car, and technology borrowed directly from the world of motor sports emphasises this character. Even more power has been coaxed out of the 2.0 TFSI engine – the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine breaks the magic 300 hp barrier. The exhaust system was designed to be particularly easy-breathing, and a powerful racing sound exudes from the oval tailpipes.

Audi high-tech: S tronic and quattro

The two-litre engine delivers its full power to an S tronic transmission. Thanks to its dual clutch, gear changes occur extremely quickly without interrupting the flow of power and thus go virtually unnoticed. The driver can change gears manually using the shift lever or the paddles on the steering wheel, or can choose a fully automatic mode. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system transfers the power to all four wheels.

The powerful brake system from the new Audi TTS provides the stopping power. Its ventilated discs measure 340 mm up front and 310 mm at the rear.

The Audi TT clubsport quattro is a purist driving machine combining the performance of a sports car with the unique design language of Audi.